Key ship-recycling nations in Asia are strengthening their commitment to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), set to take effect on June 26, 2025. The Convention aims to ensure safe and environmentally responsible recycling of end-of-life ships, protecting human health and the environment.
On November 6-8, officials from Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines gathered in Manila, Philippines, for an IMO-led workshop under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). Hosted by the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the event prepared participants to ratify, implement, and enforce HKC standards and tackle compliance challenges.
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, which comprise over 85% of global ship recycling capacity, have already acceded to the HKC. China and the Philippines are also working toward alignment. The workshop’s sessions covered responsibilities under the Convention for stakeholders, including shipowners, shipyards, flag states, and recycling states. Participants also engaged in case studies and shared best practices.
The event included site visits to two ship recycling facilities in Manila, where participants observed operations firsthand, gaining practical knowledge of compliance requirements and identifying areas for improvement.
Through these efforts, the IMO’s ITCP program continues to support Asia’s major ship-recycling countries in preparing for HKC compliance, advancing safer and more sustainable practices across the region’s ship-recycling industry.
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